How to Identify Water Damage in Your Home Before It Gets Out of Hand
There is a musty odor in the house that you can’t seem to get rid of? Or perhaps your walls have taken on some unexplained stains and the floor has a softness to it in places where it should be firm.
These are all telltale signs you could be facing some concealed water damage. At United Water Restoration Group of Hickory, we work with homeowners throughout Hickory, NC, to put an end to these issues before they have a chance to spread. You can reach us at (704)-396-5381.
For the most part, water damage is not going to make its presence known with a flood. It is more insidious than that, working its way in via a slow leak or a pipe that won’t stop dripping, or from moisture in a spot you wouldn’t normally consider. By the time you see the evidence, what lies beneath is often far worse. But if you are able to pick up on the early warnings, you can spare yourself a good deal of stress and thousands of dollars.
Here is how to go about protecting your home.
Common Warning Signs to Be Aware Of
Long before it is an emergency, your home will give you hints if you know what to look for. We recommend keeping a watchful eye for any of the following:
- Stains, whether yellow or brown, on the ceiling or walls
- A damp or musty smell that lingers in the basement or closet
- Wallpaper or paint that has begun to crack, peel, or bubble
- Floors with a spongy or warped feel
- Any mold or mildew you can see around windows, in corners, or under a sink
- An unexplained jump in the cost of your water bill
- The sound of running water when the fixtures are off
One of these may be enough to suggest a problem behind the surface; several of them mean you should act fast.
Where to Look for Trouble
It makes sense to do a regular check of the parts of the house most prone to water trouble. Make it a practice to look over:
- The area under your kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Toilets, tubs, and showers for loose caulk or pooling
- The water heater, as a slow leak, can go on for months
- The basement or crawl space where moisture likes to gather
- Window and door frames in the wake of a hard rain
- The attic and the ceiling right under the roof
Because so much of this is out of sight, damage can progress without anyone the wiser. A once a month inspection is well worth the time.
The Case for Early Action
Moisture does not just sit there. It will find its way into the drywall, the wood framing, and the insulation, setting the stage for mold, which can start in as little as 24 hours.
Letting water stand is expensive; a minor leak can easily escalate into the need for new flooring and structural work. Not to mention the impact on your home’s air quality. Yet, when you catch something while it is still small, the cleanup is quick and the home remains in better condition.
Time to Bring in the Pros
You can handle a small spill or a loose fitting by yourself. But if the damage has made its way into your walls or ceiling, you want someone with the right training and equipment to ensure everything is dried out and mold is kept at bay.
We are here for that. As a licensed and insured company, United Water Restoration Group of Hickory is at the service of our neighbors in Hickory, NC around the clock. Our 4.9 star rating and more than 125 Google reviews speak for themselves, and we back our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. We also provide free estimates so there are no surprises.
Don’t let a minor issue turn into a major one. For peace of mind, call our team at (704)-396-5381.